Character Dining/Experiences

[Mary Chase]

Well, I didn't think I was interested in character dining at Universal until I heard someone say something about the Minions being one of the options. Does anyone know which particular restaurant has them - and is it breakfast only or are there dinner options? I looked on the Univeral site and it's not as clear as Disney's dining (or I am just so much more familiar with Disney that I feel more comfortable that I know what characters are where at Disney). I'm really not that interested in any other character experience (we are kind of growing out of that phase where all character interactions are cool) and my son is obsessed with the Minions - so it's important that I make sure to hit the right character meal or there will be some major disappointment.

Also - are there any other recommendations for how to catch the Minions? It doesn't seem that Universal has the character interaction that Disney does - but I could be wrong. Just doesn't seem to be as much info out there on Universal as there is on Disney. Being a major Disney fan (12 trips in 13 years), it's kind of strange to be jumping over to Universal, but I have heard a lot of great things about Universal - and the kids are getting older, so we thought we'd give it a try.

Thanks in advance for any information!

[MizMissy]

I cannot answer about the character breakfast, but on our last Universal trip in February, there were characters out everywhere. Lots of marvel heros in IOA, Cat in the Hat in Seuss area. And, many, many random characters at US. There is a parade in the afternoon at US (maybe more than one). I remember Gru and Minions in the parade and a lot of interactions with the crowds. The face characters really stay in character and were a fun surprise (Marilyn Monroe, Doc from Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, Blues Brothers was a great show). We were looking for characters, but when we happened upon them, there were no lines at all. I'm pretty certain there were guides that stated when/where characters would be out.

[MizMissy]

As far as character breakfast goes, when you call for reservations, they should be able to tell you. Also, I've found that you do not need reservations way in advance for Universal dining.

[Mary Chase]

Thanks for the comments! I'm just a little lost without having to book ADR's 180 days in advance! And no planning my fast passes!

[MizMissy]

It's really such an easy, stress free trip. It's not Disney, so don't try to compare every little thing to Disney. It is different but it's really, really fun.
I'm assuming you are staying on-site with express pass included? If so, it just makes the trip so nice. The only thing you need to plan is arriving early for the Harry Potter rides that are not included in express pass, but even then, the standing in line is not a problem.
Also, traveling between the parks and the hotel is very quick. No planning of a wasted hour traveling between them like at Disney and you don't have to pack for the day when you leave the hotel in the morning.

(and I meant in my first answer that we were NOT looking for characters, but did have a lot of fun with them when we found them)

[Mary Chase]

Yes, we are staying onsite - at Portofino Bay. Looking forward to Express Pass - especially since we are looking at Spring Break time. Also looking forward to being so close to the parks. That is the one thing I really liked when we went to Disneyland a few years ago - loved not having to wait around on buses and being able to walk to the hotel. I have heard that it's a very different experience and after 13 years at Disney - I think I'm ready for different. I'll make it back to Disney at some point, I'm sure - but we needed a change.